Changing Gear ...

[Vmax500]

Just a quick survey to satisfy my mechanical paranoia.

I have always thought that the gearbox (Borg Warner T5) in my Chimaera felt quite notchy and it is occasionally difficult to select the required gear (especially 1st when stationary and down-changes from 3rd to 2nd). I had been assured that it was quite normal. However, having just sat in a Tamora and felt how incredibly light and precise the box felt (ooer missus) even when stationary, I am now concerned that my gearbox may not be quite right ... after all it's the same T5 box isn't it?

A difficult one I know, but what does the gear-change feel like on your car? Is it always perfect or is a slight amount of resistance to gear engagement normal? Is the Tamora box the same as the Chimaera or does it have a new and improved linkage or something?

[RMat]

I've got a Cerbera (done around 8K miles) and have driven a new Tuscan, both with the Borg 5-speed box. The Tuscan box was smoother than the Cerbera, but both exhibited the same characteristics. That is, once fully warmed up (and the heat coming off the Tuscan box was HOT), the gear change was less smooth, and a bit more notchy. I've got used to the Cerbera, its a bit notchy, and I used to miss 3rd sometimes, but not any more.

[zippy500]

my griff box was notchy, i tried bleeding the system and it made a difference. May be worth a try.

[dulu]

You hate to say it.... but my Chimaera 4.0 box is very smooth at any temperature, but particularly once everything has warmed up. The only problem I ever have is finding reverse when it's cold, but if you put it in first before trying, this overcomes even that problem. Car's eight years old and done 32k miles.

[shpub]

dulu said: You hate to say it.... but my Chimaera 4.0 box is very smooth at any temperature, but particularly once everything has warmed up. The only problem I ever have is finding reverse when it's cold, but if you put it in first before trying, this overcomes even that problem. Car's eight years old and done 32k miles.

Errrrrrrrr you don't have the T5 box judging by the 1994 date on your car. You have the Rover SD1 box which is totally different with its own sets of problems.

Steve
www.tvrbooks.co.uk

[zumbruk]

My Chim box feels exactly the same as the box in the Cossie which preceded it. They were never renowned for nice feel or ability to select reverse.

[simon.b]

Same for me, after sitting in the Tuscan at the show I noticed and commented how nice the box felt compared with my Griff. The reply was “it’s the same box (T5) so we’ll have a look at yours next service”.

It’s always been like that and there’s no leaks, so what could be wrong with it.

Cheers,

Simon.

[cockers]

Mine gets a bit notchy as time goes on, but comes back from a service feeling much better (as does the whole car, in fact).

[p7ulg]

Mine seems pretty smooth most of the time, only the customary difficulty in selecting reverse!

[beano1197]

Hmm, more info for the survey:

Reverse can be anything from "smooth as" to "near impossible". Third at high revs can sometimes be tricky. Tip must be to get those left leg muscles fully exercised, don't rush 'em and it'll be spot on 999,999 out of a million!

[beano1197]

PS If it doesn't go into first first time, I usually pop it into second, or vice versa. Well, with all that torque it makes little difference!

[Graham B]

Reverse is okay on mine providing I go into 5th first. It sometimes refuses to go into 1st although as mentioned this is usually when it's hot so just stick it in second instead (strange as the next time I go for 1st it'll go in no probs).

Graham

[clint888]

shpub said:

dulu said: You hate to say it.... but my Chimaera 4.0 box is very smooth at any temperature, but particularly once everything has warmed up. The only problem I ever have is finding reverse when it's cold, but if you put it in first before trying, this overcomes even that problem. Car's eight years old and done 32k miles.

Errrrrrrrr you don't have the T5 box judging by the 1994 date on your car. You have the Rover SD1 box which is totally different with its own sets of problems.

Steve
www.tvrbooks.co.uk

Odd this--I've tried both boxes and unbelievably I preferred my old Rover box--yes, reverse crunches now and then but it's hardly a problem--perhaps it's just that i'm used to the old box.

[shpub]

It does start complaining a bit with lots of pwer going through it and the T5 box is almost bullet proof in comparison. It can be strengthened - done it on the 520 - and it is OK.

[gerjo]

I'm very satisfied with the T5; it quite smooth, very solid and precise. Only reverse is a bit of problem, even after selecting 5th first.
A recent new clutch made it even smoother.

Much better than the SD1 in my former 4.3 although this wasn't so bad either.

[trefor]

gerjo said: I'm very satisfied with the T5; it quite smooth, very solid and precise. Only reverse is a bit of problem, even after selecting 5th first.
A recent new clutch made it even smoother.

Much better than the SD1 in my former 4.3 although this wasn't so bad either.

Try slipping it into first before reverse, not fifth - makes a difference. Somehow lines things up inside the box better. I've done this on every car I have owned and even do it on our A6 and TT. It becomes second nature once you're used to it.

I've got a 4.0L Chimaera with a nice smooth changing 'box FWIW.

[M@H]

shpub said:
You have the Rover SD1 box which is totally different with its own sets of problems .

Steve
www.tvrbooks.co.uk

Steve has a reassuring knack of adding nagging doubts to even the most cheerful of TVR owners

[Scruff900]

shpub said: It can be strengthened - done it on the 520 - and it is OK.

Seconded, 400 quid recon'd with better bearings shafts etc. Get your linkages and knob done too.

There, got one in.

Always made a habit of selecting third or fifth before reverese and it was absolutely perfect each time, apart from each time I pulled up outside somewhere posh.

Edited cause cost made no sense first time..


>> Edited by Scruff900 on Thursday 7th November 12:41

And again cause post reply turned [pound sign][number four] into [question mark]!!

>> Edited by Scruff900 on Thursday 7th November 12:43

[Simon T]

Why do you have to get your Knob done as well

[tantivy]

Mmmm - interesting question Vmax - I find my T5 box a wee bit notchy but have put this down to clutch issues rather than the box itself. On balance I'm happy coz I certainly wouldn't trade the bullet-proof reliability of the unit for a slightly quicker upshift. Am sure fresh gear oil wouldn't go amiss, though...and diff too, come to that... As to not getting first or reverse every time - well, it's all part of the whole Blackpool fun ain't it?